5 Health Tips for Winter Weather Travel

PHOTO: International travel is up nearly 10 percent in 2014. Pictured is the Machu Picchu archaeological site. (Photo by Brian Major)

The winter travel season isn’t quite over yet. Based on recent weather events across the Midwestern and Northeastern United States, Mother Nature still has plenty of snow, sleet and rain in store for international travelers.

The wintry mix hasn’t stopped North Americans from vacationing abroad. U.S. citizens’ travel to international destinations is up nearly 10 percent in 2014 according to data from to the National Travel and Tourism Office, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“The busy winter travel season often [coincides] with people getting sick or injured when far from home and in places where they have no health insurance coverage,” said Dr. William Brady, professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia and medical director for travel insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance USA. He offered five tips for staying safe and healthy while traveling internationally:

• Cover yourself: Health insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid provide minimal to no coverage beyond U.S. borders. Medical evacuation costs can total tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Travelers without coverage may be required to pay up-front for medical treatment or transportation; vacationers should purchase a travel insurance plan that covers emergency medical coverage and services.

• Plan carefully: Don’t hesitate to call the insurer if you have questions about your coverage. Good travel insurance policies include coverage for medical emergencies plus 24/7 travel assistance in case of any problem during the trip.

• Be prepared: Brady suggests bringing along a list of medical conditions and medications, with your physician’s contact information.

• Go to the right place for help: If in need of health care during your trip, contact your insurer first to determine the best place to receive care. Good travel insurers often in have personnel in foreign countries who provide multi-lingual assistance.

• Consider the country: If a medical situation arises, consult your travel insurance provider for the most appropriate facility in that particular country, as conditions can vary widely.

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